South Lexington pre-school teacher receives Nancy Frazier award

South Lexington Schools' pre-school special needs teacher Elizabeth “Libby” Samuels does not expect accolades or recognition for doing something she truly loves.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

South Lexington Schools' pre-school special needs teacher Elizabeth “Libby” Samuels does not expect accolades or recognition for doing something she truly loves.Her passion to help the 3- and 4-year-olds stems from that famous light bulb moment students have when they get something after struggling. That's a proud moment for teachers, Samuels said.“There's never a dull moment. They're always full of energy. I enjoy watching all the baby steps turn into big steps,” she added. Samuels admits it is nice when others acknowledge your efforts such as the Davidson County Civitan Club, which selected her as this year's recipient of the Nancy S. Frazier Distinguished Teacher Award. Samuels was surprised at an appreciation banquet this week where area Civitan clubs — Davidson County, Lexington, Silver Valley, Thomasville and Welcome — hosted the event for exceptional children teachers. Samuels received a personal plaque and a $200 contribution for use at school. “It was wonderful and such an honor,” she said. “I think it's wonderful and so kind of (the citivan) club to do this. I don't do it for the recognition. It's nice to get a pat on the back. It is truly appreciated.”Samuels, 62, plans to retire at the end of the school year after 25 years in education. Her past 20 years in the field have been at South Lexington. The 1968 Lexington Senior High School graduate received an early childhood development degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.“(Education) was something I have always enjoyed. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Samuels said.Samuels taught second-grade in Randolph County after college for a couple of years before becoming a stay at home mom for about 15 years. Samuels came back to teaching in 1993 as a substitute teacher on the special needs area. Her interest on the special education was sparked after Samuels' youngest of three children was a special needs child. Samuels is married to Rick. Her children are Anna Samuels, Forrest Samuels and Carrie Sanders, who has three girls.“I just fell in love with it,” Samuels said about the special education field. The Davidson County Civitan Club has been given a special education teacher the award since 2003. The award is named after Clarence Frazier, a Davidson County Community College retiree, who taught compensatory education at the Workshop of Davidson Inc., for 26 years through the college. She passed away in 2002.The club serves individuals and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with development disabilities. Candidates for the award must have taught in special education for at least five years and be nominated by a supervisor or principal. South Lexington's principal Jennifer Brown said it's an honor to worked with Samuels.“Libby is an amazing special educator,” Brown said. To just be in her presence and watch her interact with children/families is a heartwarming experience. She's an example to all of us. The award for a distinguish educator was certainly made for Libby and those before her. She fits very well in that group. She deserves this honor.”Samuels said the award was very sentimental for her because she personally knew Frazier. Frazier used to baby sit for her and she is close friends with family members.“I really felt very honored and touched,” she said. “I thank the Citivan club for all their hardwork and efforts.”

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.